The TLC Free Reads Scheme offers low-income writers the opportunity to get free professional feedback on their writing through The Literary Consultancy, the UK’s leading editorial consultancy.

New Writing South is delighted to partner with the UK’s leading editorial consultancy The Literary Consultancy in the TLC Free Reads Scheme. The scheme offers low-income writers in southeast England the opportunity to receive free professional feedback on their novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, scripts and/or screenplays.

We particularly welcome applications from writers belonging to groups currently under-represented in publishing including women writers, disabled writers, BAME writers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Who is TLC?

Established in 1996 as the first service of its kind, The Literary Consultancy (TLC) offers a range of services for writers including manuscript assessment, mentoring, and events at its base the Free Word Centre in London. TLC services are available to all writers, at all stages of development, writing in English.

What is a Free Read?

TLC processes novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, scripts and screenplays, offering professional critical feedback. This services is open to all on a commercial basis, but Free Reads are on submission to TLC’s regional partners, and subject to eligibility criteria. Your work will be hand-matched to one of TLC’s 80+ professional readers, and writers can expect to receive feedback in the form of a written critique, sent within 4-6 weeks of the application being processed. The notes you receive are intended to help you develop your writing further.

What previous writers have said…

‘The scheme allows hard-working but isolated writers access to truthful and expert assessments of their work, and guidance about where to take it next. It does what friends, other writing group members, your partner or the dog can’t do. What no one else can, in practice, do for most of us. It’s irreplaceable and invaluable.’

‘I’m grateful for the opportunity, and the feedback and encouragement I received is priceless. I have gained so much confidence because of my feedback and I was taught so many valuable things which I will continue to apply in the future. To also be given this opportunity given my current financial situation is just amazing. Thank you.’